Abstract:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by selective loss of motor
neurons. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key mediator of angiogenesis, and has neurotrophic and neuroprotective
activities. To examine the efficacy of VEGF electro-gene therapy for ALS, intramuscular mouse VEGF 164
gene transfer was performed by electroporation to treat a mouse model of ALS, transgenic Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase
(SOD1) (G93A) mice. VEGF electro-gene therapy delayed the onset of decline in hindlimb function by more than 1 week,
but did not significantly prolong survival in SOD1 transgenic mice, suggesting that continuous release of VEGF 164 by
intramuscular electro-gene therapy is partially effective in the treatment of SOD1 transgenic mice.

Abstract:Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by selective loss of motor
neurons. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key mediator of angiogenesis, and has neurotrophic and neuroprotective
activities. To examine the efficacy of VEGF electro-gene therapy for ALS, intramuscular mouse VEGF 164
gene transfer was performed by electroporation to treat a mouse model of ALS, transgenic Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase
(SOD1) (G93A) mice. VEGF electro-gene therapy delayed the onset of decline in hindlimb function by more than 1 week,
but did not significantly prolong survival in SOD1 transgenic mice, suggesting that continuous release of VEGF 164 by
intramuscular electro-gene therapy is partially effective in the treatment of SOD1 transgenic mice.